FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 2026
Contact: Sarah Walsh – CEO Rappahannock United Way
Email: swalsh@rappahannockunitedway.org
Contact: Jamee Rodgers – CEO Community Foundation of Rappahannock River Region
Email: jamee.rodgers@cfrrr.org
Fredericksburg, VA — After more than eight decades of dedicated service to the Greater Fredericksburg Region, Rappahannock United Way (RUW) ceased all operations on June 30, 2025. Following the responsible wind-down of the organization and the recent sale of its headquarters, RUW is proud to announce the establishment of the Rappahannock Community Legacy Fund with The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region to ensure its mission continues to benefit the community in perpetuity.
While Rappahannock United Way officially concluded operations in 2025, its Board of Directors remained committed to ensuring that the organization’s remaining charitable resources would continue to benefit the community. RUW completed the sale of its headquarters at 3310 Shannon Park Drive in Fredericksburg in January 2026. Proceeds from the sale, along with other remaining assets, were used to establish the Rappahannock Community Legacy Fund, a permanent charitable fund administered and invested by the Community Foundation to help carry forward the mission and impact RUW championed for generations.
The Legacy Fund will provide ongoing grant support to local nonprofits serving the City of Fredericksburg and the counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford, reflecting the historic priorities of Rappahannock United Way. Grants will continue to focus on areas that were central to RUW’s mission, including education, financial stability, and health.
For 87 years, Rappahannock United Way mobilized the region’s generosity to strengthen nonprofit organizations and improve the quality of life for local residents. The organization and board remain committed to ensuring that the community’s charitable investments continue to benefit those in need.
“This decision was made with deep care for the community we have served for generations,” said Sean Barden, Board Chair of Rappahannock United Way. “We wanted to ensure that the resources entrusted to us over the years would continue working for the people of this region. The Rappahannock Community Legacy Fund allows our mission to live on through ongoing support for local nonprofits.”
The Community Foundation, established in 1997 will serve as the long-term steward of the fund. With more than $67 million in assets under management, over 226 charitable funds, and approximately $3.3 million in annual grants, the Foundation has demonstrated the capacity, governance, and investment expertise necessary to responsibly administer RUW’s legacy resources.
Grants from the Rappahannock Community Legacy Fund will be guided by a Grants Committee composed of both Community Foundation board members and local community representatives. Together, this committee will help establish funding priorities and review applications from nonprofit organizations to ensure grants reflect the needs and opportunities within the region. Funding will support local nonprofits whose work aligns with Rappahannock United Way’s historic focus on strengthening education, financial stability, and health in the region. The Community Foundation will administer the grant process and provide annual reporting and evaluation to ensure transparency, accountability, and meaningful impact for the community.
“We are deeply honored that the Rappahannock United Way has entrusted the Community Foundation with stewarding its legacy of generosity and impact,” said Jamee Rodgers, CEO of the Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region. “For generations, United Way strengthened families and supported the vital work of local nonprofits. While the Rappahannock United Way has concluded its operations in our region, its legacy of generosity will continue to live on. Through the Rappahannock Community Legacy Fund, we are grateful for the opportunity to carry that spirit forward—ensuring these resources continue to serve our community and create meaningful impact for years to come.”
The Rappahannock Community Legacy Fund will begin accepting grant applications according to a structured timeline established by the Community Foundation. Application details, funding priorities, eligibility requirements and reporting guidelines will be publicly shared to ensure accessibility and transparency.
To donate to the fund or for more information: https://www.cfrrr.org/apply/rappahannock-community-legacy-fund/
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